FOOD: Monon Coffee Company — Broad Ripple [INDY]

Mornings can be rough. Sometimes amid the chaos of modern city living the best motivation for jumping out of bed every day is the promise of a good cup of coffee and a croissant. The croissant is one of the most perfect breakfast foods there is. It is small and compact, yet dense and rich, and flaky with layer upon layer of buttery goodness. Regardless of your morning dietary preferences, the Monon Coffee Company has enough variety to make it your new breakfast spot.

The espresso service can be hit or miss and on the best day it’s average. At times the staff can be so enthralled in their personal conversation with the locals it can be difficult for them to give much attention to precise beverage crafting techniques (yes, using an espresso machine requires skill). That being said, with its grungy-come-granola tableau complete with chalk written signage and a host of signature drink names, the Broad Ripple location seems to rely more on its alt-quirkiness rather than quality. Given what this coffee shop lacks on the coffee service front, MCC finds more than redemption in its ambiance and the selection of snacks and pastries provided by local boulangerie Renee’s Bakery.

Fresh dessert breads, scones, and muffins are individually wrapped and are perfect for that on-the-go take along especially for those of us who are perpetually running late. The menu offers several different sweet and savory croissants in addition to the Butter Croissant which is simple, refined, and absolutely perfect. Today most croissants out there tend to be nothing but a fluffy bread substitute used in Croissandwiches and the like. The croissants from Renee’s are more akin to the traditional European style with a crisper outer layer that gives way to a light and spongy center that melts in the mouth to create a soft and velvety texture. The whole thing is nearly dripping with butter (grab a napkin) and just absorbant enough for dipping in espresso. Easily one of the best croissants in Indianapolis.